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He's back: Penn State's defense expected to get a boost from the return of linebacker Mike Hull Saturday

Mike Hull 2011

Penn State linebacker Mike Hull (43), who has been dealing with a knee issue since the season opener, is expected to be ready to play against Indiana on Saturday. Hull was held out of the Kent State game. JOHN C. WHITEHEAD/The Patriot-News

Penn State's defense will get a lift Saturday when the Lions open their Big Ten season at Indiana.

Mike Hull, an outside linebacker and one of the team's top defensive players, is "full-go" for the Hoosiers, head coach Bill O'Brien said Tuesday. The redshirt junior has been dealing with a knee injury since the Week 1 win over Syracuse at MetLife Stadium.

Hull did not play against Kent State and has appeared in just two games, producing five tackles.

Hull would join a list of starters at linebacker that also include Glenn Carson (middle) and Nyeem Wartman.

"He has an impact on the defense,'' O'Brien said of Hull. "He's a good player, tough kid, Pittsburgh kid.

"(He) brings a toughness to our football team. ... (It's) good to have him back in there.''

In Hull's absence, the Lions have been using a number of options at outside linebacker, including Ben Kline and safety Stephen Obeng-Agyapong.

A reserve last season, Hull was very productive, registering 58 tackles (34 solos). He had five tackles for loss, four of them sacks. Hull also returned a fumble 74 yards for a touchdown against Navy.

In the not-so-great injury news department, Penn State will be without safety Ryan Keiser (hand), according to O'Brien. He is also the holder on field-goal attempts.